AMAZING VIETNAM NORTHWEST ADVENTURE TOUR WITH HALONG BAY – 12 DAYS

* Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival – Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi Full-Day City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi Tour to Duong Lam Ancient Village – Mai Chau Valley
Day 4: Mai Chau Trekking Tour to Son La
Day 5: Son La Tour to Dien Bien Phu
Day 6: Dien Bien Phu Tour to Tam Duong
Day 7: Tam Duong Adventure Tour to Sapa
Day 8: Sapa Adventure & Trekking Tour to villages
Day 9: Sapa Tour to Bac Ha – Night Train to Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise
Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 12: Hanoi – Departure

Day 1: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: HANOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and driver who will bring you to your hotel in Hanoi City to rest up for the tour ahead. Hanoi is over 1000 years old and is currently the capital of Vietnam, as well the commercial, political, and cultural heart of the country.

O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 2: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: HANOI FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (B/-/-) 

This morning is spent discovering the main attractions of Hanoi. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.

After lunch, transfer to the Northern Gate of the Ancient Citadel, an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and cultural importance. Learn a bit about the history of the imposing structure and the nearby Cua Bac Church, a beautiful example of French and catholic influence in the city. Then, travel on foot to Chau Long market for a closer look at Hanoian culture in the flurry of a local market.

After exploring the street stalls here, visit Quan Thanh Temple. The 11th Century Taoist temple is one of the oldest and most culturally significant in the city, and about a ten minute walk from the market. Then embark on a lengthier stroll toward West Lake, hearing the story of John McCain and this monument along the way. Head off along a quieter back road, and stop next at historic Pho Cuon restaurant by Truc Bach Lake for a quick snack. Do it as the local do! Take your plastic seat and dip Pho Cuon into the tasty Nuoc Mam sauce and enjoy this specialty of Hanoi.

Afterward, set off along Nguyen Truong To Street – famous for its desserts — toward Hang Than Street, the centre of Hanoi’s thriving wedding cake stores. Learn a bit about Vietnam’s unique wedding culture while sampling some wedding cakes. Shake off your sugar rush on a stroll to nearby Hang Cot Street for a look at Hanoi’s mat weaving borough before stopping off along Hang Ga Street for a local coffee shop. End your walking tour with a traditional Vietnamese coffee and back to your hotel with a leisurely paced cyclo ride to soak up the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

O/N in Hanoi.

Day 3: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: HANOI — DUONG LAM VILLAGE TO MAI CHAU – HOMESTAY TOUR (B/L/D)

In the morning, we travel overland from Hanoi to Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River Delta where many hundred-year-old houses are still well preserved. It will be your unique experience as you walk along tiny ancient alleys; visit a Communal House in Mong Phu hamlet – the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact.

You’ll also leisurely bike around the village while interacting with the locals in their ancient houses. After that, we continue to visit Mia Pagoda, which was built in the 15^th century where you’ll admire 287 statues of all sizes. Then visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. Lastly, we will go back a local family to enjoy your special lunch with Vietnamese foods in an ancient house.

At around 14:00, we will keep heading to Mai Chau, the beautiful gateway to the mountainous area of northern Vietnam. The scenic drive offers an excellent opportunity to observe rural Vietnam up-close. The valley of Mai Chau is inhabited by a community of the Thai minority group while the upper lands of Mai Chau are inhabited by the H’mong minority group.

On arrival at Mai Hich village, take a short break. Unlike the other well-known tourist destinations, Mai Hich is the newly discovered village, a harmonial combination between human being and the nature. Dinner tonight will be hosted by a family followed by a local traditional dance show.

O/N at house on stilts in Mai Hich remote village.  

Day 4: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: MAI CHAU TREKKING TOUR- DRIVE TO SON LA (B/-/-)

This morning we are going to have a short trekking journey (or bike tour) to some of remote villages of Thai People inhabiting in Mai Chau valley to have your deep insight into the way the locals live. The journey northwest begins as we depart from Mai Chau and pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations, terraced rice fields and sleepy villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern region and the capital city.

This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. En route we have several stops to stretch our legs and visit some roadside villages. The thrilling drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. We check in hotel and enjoy a short walk around this mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry in all directions.  O/N in Son La. 

Day 5: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: SON LA ADVENTURE TREKKING- DIEN BIEN PHU (B/-/-)

The provincial museum and the top hill old prison are some of major sights in Son La Town. We include these in a short morning tour before we wind our way past the stunning mountain scenery. The road conditions are very poor therefore we need to bring along our spirit of adventure until Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954.

Once reaching Dien Dien Phu we drive around to see this fast growing town and make stop at Dien Bien Phu museum which details the event in place. We follow it with a visit to the strategic hill A1 and the old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces. 

O/N in Dien Bien Phu  

Day 6: AMAZING VIETNAM ADVENTURE TOURS IN THE NORTH: DIEN BIEN PHU- TAM DUONG TREKKING TOUR (B/-/-)

Heading out of Dien Phu Phu Town, we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam’s most mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and colorful local population makes the hardship all worthwhile. Along the way we encounter the mountaineers going about their daily business.

These local villagers are almost the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. We arrive in Tam Duong by late afternoon and may have time strolling around. This small hill town is surrounded by the breathtaking mountain backdrop and frequently visited by the ethnic minority people.

O/N in Tam Duong.

Day 7: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: TAM DUONG- SAPA ADVENTURE TOUR (B/-/-)

The breathtaking north scenery is unequalled although the conditions are very basic. Today we continue driving along a zigzag route to Sapa. The road conditions is very poor in some places but it is still a wonderful trip for photograph hunters as we pass though the various scenic water falls, charming villages and rolling mountains.

The hill station of Sa Pa was founded in early last century and rapidly became an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape from the unbearable heat in plains. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, it has some warm days and cool evenings. Today we can soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending the time to wander around and catch the first look of Sa Pa. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town by their distinctive dress and they purchase their own textiles, handicraft as small vendors along the streets.  

O/N in Sa Pa. 

Day 8: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: SAPA ADVENTURE TRAVEL PACKAGE TOURS TO VILLAGES (B/L/-)

Today, we’ll start a bit later to pick up the best time when the sun arise for the clear vision & best photos.  Different from the other tour operators, DNG leads your trip out of crowd to the less visited places.

At around 09:00 am, DNQ local guide and driver will pick you up for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms.

Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life.

Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phin valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream. This valley is quiet and non- touristic. It’s totally different from Ta Phin or Muong Hoa valleys where the local peoples have changed much due to the strong influence of tourism.

Enjoy your lunch break on the bank of a stream. As we walk through these villages nestled in the valleys below, we’ll witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In the leisure months, men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay at home making their traditional costumes. Interaction with them is very much encouraged.

Back to Sapa later and the rest of the day is at your leisure. O/N in Sapa.

Day 9: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: SAPA TOUR TO BAC HA MARKET – BACK TO HANOI BY TRAIN (B/L/-)

This morning we journey through the beautiful mountainous road to one of the many hill tribe markets in the neighborhoods of Sapa. At the market we’ll see a number of ethnic minority people. They come to the market for not only trading but also a drink of local wines, socialization, making friends… 

In the afternoon, continue to trek through some villages of hill tribe people that you met on the market. We will learn about their daily life, say hello to local children and enjoy the nice view along the trail  Then, board a boat downstream Chay River and visit other villages along the way, discover the local people life.

Transfer to Lao Cai Railways Station for overnight train back to Hanoi. O/N on board.

NOTE: There’re hill tribe markets on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Option 1: Bac Ha & Muong Khuong Market on Sunday

Option 2: Coc Ly Market on Tuesday

Option 3: Lung Khau Nhin Market on Friday

Option 4: Can Cau Market on Saturday

Option 5: Cao Son market on Thursday

Day 10: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: HANOI RAILWAY STATION – HALONG BAY CRUISE TOURS (B/L/D)

We’re back in Hanoi early this morning, met and transferred to a three-star hotel for shower and breakfast. Afterwards, we journey east to Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay. We’ll board a beautiful traditional junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Kayaks are also available if specified at time of booking. Spend the night on our luxurious boat.

Day 11: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: HALONG CRUISE TOURS –  HANOi (B/L/-)

Enjoy the aquamarine waters of the Ha Long Bay at its best, as the boat continues to cruise quietly through spectacular limestone formations. Disembark from the junk at noon and return to Hanoi. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.

O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 12: Vietnam Northwest Tour to Mai Chau, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Halong Bay: HANOI – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

At leisure until transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure flight (check out hotel before 12h00)

—End of services—

INCLUDING:

•  Transportation in vehicle with driver for four travelers in mountain as under specified
• New model WD Japanese car on Superior Class Tour
• Medium model WD Japanese car on Standard and First Class Tour
•  Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver in delta
•  Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses (twin shared room)
•  Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
•  English or French speaking guide
•  Entrance fee to indicated sights
•  Water puppet show, traditional dance show in Mai Chau
•  Boat trip
•  Pure bottled water & wipes

EXCLUDING:  Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance…

TRIP NOTE

Viet Nam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Road conditions are poor and accommodation may be basic in mountain region.

Good weather for trek from September until June. We recommend you to bring rain jacket, inner sleeping sheets, walking boots, warm clothes, lamp torch, and toilet papers.

Occasionally, this itinerary may be amended for reasons beyond our control such as weather and roads conditions.